Shock after robbers strike at betting shop

Police have today released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace following a robbery at Ladbrokes bookmakers on Whitegate Drive, Blackpool.

At around 8.40pm on Thursday, June 26, a man entered the betting shop where he ran and jumped over the counter and assaulted the shop assistant, demanding money.

CCTV image

The man then stole around £200 in cash from the till which he put into a Lidl carrier bag and left the shop, possibly with another man waiting outside.

The offender and the second man both made off on foot along Newcastle Avenue.

Det Con Mark Anson, from Blackpool CID, said: “The shop assistant has been left understandably shaken by this attack and we are very keen to trace the man responsible.

“If you saw the two men running away from the shop or saw anyone suspicious in the area leading up to the attack, please get in contact.”

The offender is described as being white, aged in his 30s, with a thin build, and wearing a black bandana covering his face. He was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting reference number 1353 of June 26.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.